We are currently accepting applications for Mentors and Mentees who would like to participate in the first edition of the PWA Mentoring Program. For more information on this initiative, please see the articles and brochure posted on the “PWA Mentoring Program” page of the PWA Milan web site (click here).

This opportunity is available to all PWA members, as an additional benefit of membership. Not a member yet and would like to participate in the Program? Click here to join PWA Milan now.

We have already received confirmation from a number of experienced and highly successful professional women who are PWA members, of their willingness to serve as Mentors. To name a few:
• Rosanna Cella – Global Leadership Development Director, Nokia
• Barbara Cominelli – Director of Strategy & Marketing, Tenaris Dalmine
• Francesca Patellani – Partner at Accenture, in charge of Inclusion & Diversity within their Human Capital program
• Nicoletta Zappatini – Corporate and Investment Bank Managing Director Fixed Income, Crédit Agricole Calyon

Further, we are pleased to announce that the following internationally-renowned women will serve as Honorary Mentors:
• Giovanna d’Alessio – President of International Coach Federation Global, Founder and Chief Executive Coach of Life Coach Lab
• Avivah Wittenberg-Cox – Founder of EuropeanPWN, CEO of 20-first, Executive Coach

If you have been considering applying as a mentee or a mentor but have not yet done so, now is the time! There is still availability in the program for both roles. The deadline for submission is Friday, 16 April 2010. Download the forms here: Mentee application form and Mentor application form. If we are able to identify an appropriate match, you will be notified via email by the first part of May.

Important dates to note: The official launch of the Mentoring Program will take place on the evening of Wednesday, May 19. This will also be the occasion for successfully paired participants to meet their mentoring match. The Mentoring Skills Workshop will take place on Saturday, May 29.

For any questions or concerns you may have, please contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org

• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

During the process of creating the PWA Mentoring Program, the question has come up several times about the major differences between coaching and mentoring. Indeed, the question is a valid one as there are places where the two complement each other. Also, there are certain topics and issues better suited for mentoring where others are a better fit for coaching, and it’s helpful to determine which process would be more appropriate in assisting you to reach your intended outcomes.

As professional coaches, we (i.e. the Mentoring Program team members) are necessarily aware of the major differences between the two modalities, and realize that others may not have the same level of familiarity with the subject. In this article, we’ll explore the two methods in order to set expectations and increase your chances of obtaining successful results if you participate in the Mentoring Program.

The following is an example of a sample topic and what the outcomes would be through the two various methods.

Scenario: A woman entrepreneur has left the corporate world and is starting a small business. She is very excited and challenged with her new venture, and thinks she could benefit from a mentor. She is currently having a hard time balancing her business with her personal life and would like mentoring around this issue.

The Mentor approach: In this situation, a good Mentor fit would be a woman who has previously gone through a similar transition, and/or has extensive experience with starting a small business. She would share her stories and challenges faced while pursuing her entrepreneurial ventures, and give advice based on her best practices and learnings. She might also talk about her personal challenges transitioning from a corporate career to being your own boss and give advice on how to manage the added responsibilities of an entrepreneur.

The Coach approach: A coach would take a slightly different approach; rather than give advice based on personal experience, she would focus the conversation on the coachee, to find out her specific challenges. Depending on the underlying issue, the coach could help design new approaches to creating more work/life balance, guide toward a shift in perspective or help in identifying limiting beliefs that are keeping her stuck in this area. The coach would guide her toward specific actionable goals and keep her accountable.

The mentor and coach are similar in the ways they relate to the person they are mentoring or coaching. They both use techniques of active listening, asking powerful questions and offering new ideas and approaches to help guide the individual. But the outcomes from the two approaches can be quite different, and it’s important to identify your needs to ensure you reach the results you’re looking for.

As you’re sending in your applications for the PWA Mentoring Program (deadline 16 April 2010 for this first edition), be thinking of the specific areas in which you need advice and wisdom to help you in your career. Think about your desired outcomes, and be clear from the get-go with your Mentor if you participate. This should ensure that you make the most out of your time with your Mentor and get significant value for the time you put in as well!

If you have more questions on this topic or about the PWA Mentoring program, don’t hesitate to email us at professional@pwa-milan.org

• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

The Mentor and Mentee application forms for the PWA Mentoring Program are now available. To apply, download the appropriate form(s) here (Mentee application form or Mentor application form) and follow the instructions therein.

Please note that applicants must be current members of PWA, and that attendance at the Mentoring Skills Workshop planned for Saturday, 29 May 2010 is mandatory for participation as a mentor or a mentee.

The application period for this first edition of the Mentoring Program runs from 17 March to 16 April 2010.

Questions? Contact the Mentoring Team members – Valerie Ryder and Monique Svazlian – at professional@pwa-milan.org

By now it is likely you have heard about the upcoming PWA Mentoring Program, scheduled to launch in the spring. As we continue planning the program, we are already hearing from many of our members interested in participating. Considering this is a first-time program for the Milan network, we would like to clearly communicate the steps on how to apply and what to expect from the process in order to make it as straightforward as possible. You can download the program brochure here PWA Mentoring Program Brochure

Step 1) Fill out the PWA Mentoring Program Application Form – Mid-March to Mid-April
The application forms will be available on the PWA website beginning mid-March, and the application period will last until mid-April. Keep an eye out for more communication from us informing you when the forms become available on-line. This is the only way to apply for the program – you will be asked to fill out a Mentor or Mentee Profile, depending on the role you are applying for, which will help us find you the right match.

Step 2) Attend the workshop “Identify Your Mentoring Expertise” – April 7th
Whether you believe you could be a Mentor or not, this optional workshop will help you identify the expertise you have to be a Mentor. We all have useful experience, backgrounds and training that can be potentially helpful for others. Through this mini-workshop, which will take place at the April Networking Aperitivo, you’ll identify your “Inner Mentor” which will gear us all up to participate fully in the program. It is open to all members and guests, and is not a prerequisite for becoming a Mentor.

Step 3) Receive email notification: Match successfully identified – Early May
At the close of the application period (mid-April), we will evaluate all applications received. Pairs will be matched based on the level of relevance between objectives stated by the Mentee and available Mentor experience and skills. If we are able to identify an appropriate match, you will be notified via email by the beginning of May.
Note about Participation: As this is a first-time program and we would like to ensure a high-quality service to members, we are limiting the Mentor/Mentee pairs to 10-12 in total. Given the level of interest expressed in the program so far, we anticipate the possibility of receiving more applications than we can fulfill in this first round. Applicants who are not successfully matched will be notified by email that they have been placed on a waiting list for the next edition of the Mentoring program, planned for early 2011.

Step 4) Attend the PWA Mentoring Program Launch Event – May 19th
The official Mentoring Program Launch event will be open to all program participants, PWA members, and guests. The event will be the first time you officially meet your Mentor/Mentee partner, as well as hear from a panel of speakers and testimonials from our Honorary Mentors.

Step 5) Attend the Mentoring Program Skills Training Workshop – Late May
This half-day workshop, an essential component of the program, will be geared towards developing skills to ensure your success as a Mentor or Mentee. We will cover active listening and other communication skills, do’s and don’ts of good mentoring, topics to bring to the mentoring sessions and how to get the most out of your Mentoring relationship.

Step 6) First Mentoring Program period – June-November
The actual Mentoring sessions will begin in June and last for six months. Mentoring pairs will meet for one hour or more per month, in person, via phone or video-conference.

Step 7) Check-in’s and satisfaction survey – June-November
We will be checking-in with each Mentoring pair throughout the program to ensure the Mentoring relationships are running smoothly. Coaching on the mentoring process will be available to those interested. Further, a survey will be carried out at the end of the first period to gauge participant satisfaction and gather ideas for future improvements.

Post-program publication – December
Finally, we will be collecting participant feedback at the end of the program to include their takeaways, experiences, and recommendations to others in an official PWA Mentoring post-program publication.

If you have further questions about the application process or about the program itself, please don’t hesitate to contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org
• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Coordinator

Wednesday 7 April 7-9 p.m.

Location: Grand Hotel et de Milan
Via Manzoni 29
MM Montenapoleone

Whether or not you believe you have the skills to be a Mentor, this mini-workshop will help you identify the useful experience, background and training you have which can be potentially helpful for others. Our expert coaches will help you recognize your “Inner Mentor”, pinpoint your individual expertise and get us geared up for the PWA Mentoring Program. Beneficial for members and guests of all levels.

The evening will be facilitated by Valerie Ryder and Monique Svazlian, certified professional coaches, PWA members, and the driving force behind the Mentoring Program.

Valerie Ryder, ACC is an Executive Coach and Consultant specialized in career progression, value-based leadership development, and management competencies for women in international environments. She is recognized for her insight, supportiveness and practicality in assisting the women with whom she collaborates to clarify and achieve their professional objectives. Visit www.ryderassociates.com for more information.

Monique Svazlian, CPCC is a Leadership & Business Coach, focused on growing emerging women leaders and high potentials within organizations. Her passion for creating positive social change coupled with her background working for Fortune 500 technology companies gives her unique insight to the innovative working strategies needed to compete in today’s global climate. For more information, go to: www.highestpath.com.

Drinks 10 euro each, buffet included

Guests, please send an email to networking@pwa-milan.org

The PWA Milan Mentoring Program is the first of its kind for our association, and is spearheaded by Valerie Ryder, Director of Professional Development. Between 20 and 30 members will have the opportunity to participate as Mentors or Mentees in the initial period of the program, meeting for a minimum of one hour per month for six months. The launch will take place in May and the first edition will last through November of this year.

Why Is Mentoring Important?
Mentoring plays a critical role in the advancement of women professionals in all sectors. Lack of mentoring, exclusion from networks, and absence of women role models are cited as the key barriers to career advancement for women. A mentoring relationship can provide structure for the development of individual skills and leadership abilities.

How Does Mentoring Work?
A mentoring relationship is based around the Mentor sharing her professional experience and knowledge with a Mentee. It is not advice, coaching or counseling. It may address specific personal projects, business successes or general conditions in the mentee’s profession. For more information the definition of mentoring, please see the related article entitled “What Is Mentoring All About” here.

The success of mentoring depends directly on the engagement of both parties and responsibility of both for their own progress, which are demonstrated in concrete actions. The success is measured as the achievement of the initial goals and the satisfaction of the Mentee and Mentor with the mentoring relationship.

Mentor as Role Model
Many of you are mentors and might not even know it! All of us have accomplished various goals, overcome barriers, reached career heights, and have general life and professional experience. As women we tend to downplay our successes and perhaps not realize what we have to offer to others in terms of our professional and personal experiences. Perhaps someone could benefit greatly from the wisdom and knowledge you’ve gained through your experience. Think of a role model or mentor in your life that has inspired you in some way – what became possible for you because of this person? Imagine how it would feel to be a role model for an aspiring mentee?

The importance of having a role model and someone to look up to can not only be inspiring, but absolutely necessary for some who may not believe it’s possible for them to achieve their goals. Mentoring can offer the pathway for women to have professional role models they need to ignite them towards increased professional success.

Apply for the Mentoring Program

Keep an eye out for upcoming communication about how to apply as a Mentor or Mentee in the Mentoring Program. In the meantime, if you would like to participate or would like to have more information, contact us at professional@pwa-milan.org
• Valerie Ryder, Mentoring Program Leader and Professional Development Director
• Monique Svazlian, Mentoring Program Team Member